Telecom
CDMA Operators Battles for Survival amidst Low Revenue
The number of active telecommunications subscribers on the various networks operating in the country as released by Nigerian Communications Commission for the second quarter of this year indicated that Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) operators have continued to make impressive additions to subscribers on their networks compared to Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators.
In the report CDMA operators recorded a decrease on the subscribers to their network from 9,115,165 in April to 8,658,318 as at June this year. But, GSM operators within the same period recorded an increase from 58,063,300 to 59,194,972. The implication of this is that in spite of different network expansion plans embarked upon by major operators in this space as well as promotions, Nigerians still prefer talking on GSM platform.
The issue that arises, is how can operators in this space survive in terms of competition with GSM operators bearing in mind the harsh economic downturn facing the country? This situation may have informed the recent promo embarked upon by some operators on the CDMA platform to shore up their subscriber base. Visafone and Starcomms have launched their promo campaign while Multi-Links Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered is planning a similar promo. In the Visafone ‘Enjoy the N0.00 advantage’ new subscribers to Visafone network will only need to purchase and activate a Haier FM phone for just N3, 333 or a Huawei C2802 model for N2, 222. The subscriber will in turn get back the full cost of buying the phones in the form of free airtime worth N3, 333 and N2, 222 respectively in three months.
More so, a subscriber is expected to use at least N200 over a 30 day period to get N1,045 worth of free airtime with 15 counts of free On-net SMS on the Haier FM phones while subscribers who purchase, activate and use up to N200 on the Huawei C2802 will get N741 worth of free airtime with 15 counts of free On-net SMS in each 30 day cycle. At the end of a 90 day period, the subscriber participating in this package would have gotten back the full price of his phone.
The free airtime is automatically credited to the phone as soon as the subscriber uses up to a minimum of N200 in a 30 days circle.
In a similar promo, Starcomms is offering two categories of mobile telephone, the ZTE X175 and the popular Haier D920, in a promotion that ultimately gives back the purchase money to the subscriber.
This new 100% money back promo by the company allows any subscriber who purchases the ZTE X175 and Haier D920 to enjoy on-net bonus airtime covering the value of the purchased phone within 30 days of their activation. The ZTE X175 phone is priced at N1,999 and upon minimum first time recharge of at least N100 (one hundred naira), the purchaser will get automatic bonus airtime and the Starcomms customer would be able to make free on-net calls to the tune of N1,999 within the first month of activation. The same token goes to the subscribers who buy the Haier D920 for the price of N2,299 and will be able to make free calls to any Starcomms line to the value of N2,299.
Starcomms in a statement acknowledged that the promotion is coming at a time when the purchasing power of many is generally dwindling and subscribers are keen to get adequate value for their money.
Speaking on the offer, Maher Qubain chief executive officer, Starcomms, said Starcomms acknowledges the adjustments people have had to make in the last few months of challenging economic situation. “It is therefore apt for us to respond positively, as we always do, to the yearnings of our subscriber, especially students and other people in the lower segment of the economy. We have therefore made it easy for people to join the Starcomms network without having to overstretch themselves financially. This is part of our strong resolve to always bring the best offer to the reach of our teeming subscriber,” he said.
The use of this free airtime can be enjoyed by Starcomms subscriber within only one month starting from the moment of first activation. The new subscribers will enjoy this offer alongside the value-added services like the missed call notification and the call waiting options.
The introduction of Unified Access License by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in 2006 after the expiration of exclusivity right given to Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) operators was what Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators needed to stamp their feat in the telecommunications industry. Before then, they were operating under limited mobile access license which restricted them from operating mobile service in unified manner. They as a result concentrated on offering fixed wireless and mobile service within the state they secured license to operate. More so, if any operator wishes to operate in another state outside its primary state of operation such operator would be required to apply for a license to operate in such location. This made it expensive to operate even as they were not required to offer roaming service like GSM operators. As a result of these, CDMA operators were mere local operators who concentrated their service in Lagos and Abuja commercially viable cities. They were struggling for subscribers with GSM operators that offered broader service, basically, because a GSM subscriber can take his or her phone outside Lagos and it works in as much as such network has coverage in the location, but mobile service rendered by CDMA could not offer this service, thereby giving them advantage over CDMA service. With the introduction of unified licensing regime, individual service provider is allowed to offer multiple services such as mobile telephony, fixed telephony, internet services and long distance services, there are over ten operators in this space. They included Starcomms, ZoomMobile, Intercellular, Multi¬-Links Telkom, Visafone, Rainbownet, Prestel, MTS First, among others. Under the current dispensation, CDMA operators that want to play in the big league are required to operate nationally, though there is choice of playing local but most see it as not economically viable to play local which has led to most of them going for national unified access license which is the prerequisite. Playing at this level entitles having foot print in almost every town in the country to be able to garner enough subscriber base which is the basis for profitability. To do this, they require strong financial base which most of these operators does not have. This situation changed the landscape of operation in CDMA space as they had to change their operational module to be part of the moving train in the industry and has ignited a contest for supremacy among them. This saw Starcomms selling some of its equity to Actis to raise money to expand its network, since then it has secured foreign loans in this regard making it to claim the biggest in the space. The company has already invested some US$800 million since it launched its network in 2002. It set for itself a target of reaching 2.5 million subscribers by the end of 2008, 5 million by the end of 2009 and a ten fold jump to 50 million by 2011. The company was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and raised around US$60 million. “We have always wanted two sectors of the economy, they are the oil and telecommunications sectors, represented in our market”, said Binus Yaroe, the NSE general manager of listing and quotations and a representative of the director general of the exchange. The stock market floatation raised funding for the company, while also allowing two investors, Actis and ECP to reduce their holdings.
Other operators did not seat to watch their Starcomms claim subscribers in a business they are also part of and equally have opportunities of playing big. Zoom Mobile, another contender had raised N25.9billion from investors through private placement. The company currently covers 62 cities and 350 villages and has a capacity for five million subscribers.
A foremost operator in that space Multi-Links deal with Telkom of South Africa, which saw the later acquiring 75% share of Multi-Links and later the remaining 25%, was what the company needed to re-launch itself into the market. Telkom has injected funds and managerial skills to make the business profitable; this is yet to be achieved as the company is yet to start making profit. Visafone, the youngest by name in the CDMA sector of telecommunications industry emerged from nowhere and is putting up an impressive performance having emerged as the fourth largest telecommunications operator in the country in two successive quarters. The company which is brainchild of Jim Ovia, a banker and industrialist has witnessed him bringing his managerial competence which he has used to make Zenith bank one of the strong banks in the post consolidation era to bear.
It has become worrisome to CDMA operators while some of them are being heavily affected by the economic meltdown, which calls for overhaul of business module and operational strategy. Against the backdrop of NCC’s planned introduction of Number Portability, CDMA operators’ faith of survival is hanging. Ken Aigbinode, executive vice chairman, Zoom Mobile, expressed fear on what will be the faith of CDMA operators when NCC introduces Number Portability. According to him, GSM and CDMA technology are two different technologies and that the GSM technology will play well with number portability than the CDMA because the CDMA technology is customized and fixed.
Possibilities of Survive
In spite of the wide differential in the subscriber base between CDMA and their GSM counterparts there are possibilities of surviving if they apply the right business model that is relevant to the operational environment. More so, the license they are operating with allows them to deliver service with their chosen technology without barriers. They need to adopt a cost effective way of rolling out service, such as sharing of infrastructure among others.
Gbenga Adebayo, chief executive officer, Community Network Support Services Limited, alluded to this when he cited situation in United States of America, where CDMA technology is the dominant while GSM operators are trailing behind. He said that what is happening in USA is possibly to play in Nigeria especially, when the right and quality of service is provided.
In an insightful assessment of governance standards across the continent, Mcebisi Jonas, chairman of MTN Group, has warned that Africa’s long-term economic redemption rests entirely on the independence and resilience of its core public institutions.
Speaking during the MTN’s The Y’ello Chair vodcast that debuted on August 2, 2026, the corporate titan asserted that fragile governance frameworks continue to destroy economic inclusion and starve the region of critical investments.
Jonas emphasised that building a sustainable economy requires deliberate structural effort rather than mere political promises.
According to him, Africa must consciously protect its public bodies from political interference if it ever hopes to build a globally competitive ecosystem.
Expressing deep worry over institutional decay, Jonas remarked, “You need to hardwire democracy, you need to hardwire economic growth, you need to hardwire economic inclusion. Institutions are central in that process… Once you rubbish your institutions, the country goes down the tube.”
Drawing on his own nation’s historical struggles, Jonas noted how South Africa narrowly averted a total systemic breakdown by protecting its judicial boundaries, though he cautioned that vigilance remains non-negotiable.
He observed that the ultimate test of any healthy democracy is whether a government can humbly submit to the rule of law. “There are few countries in the continent where [the] government goes to court and loses a case,” Jonas lamented, pinpointing judicial autonomy and impartial electoral commissions as the non-negotiable benchmarks of true institutional health.
Hard economic data strongly validates Jonas’s thesis. According to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report, foreign direct investment (FDI) into Africa rebounded to $97 billion in 2024, raising the continent’s share of global inflows from 4% to 6%, driven largely by 36% of global pro-investment policy reforms originating from the continent.
However, experts stress that such capital flows remain highly volatile and tend to flee at the slightest sign of political instability or judicial compromise.
Tying institutional integrity directly to investor confidence, Jonas noted that capital is fundamentally cowardly – it flows only to destinations where credibility is guaranteed by law rather than whim.
As fiscal headwinds worsen across developing economies, Jonas warned African governments against taking shortcuts or manipulating tax policies at the expense of structural credibility, emphasising that a country’s economic survival depends on predictable, independent institutions.
The 12th edition of the eWorld Forum will hold on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, under the theme: “The GSM Digital Milestones: 25 Years On.”
Since its inauguration in 2010, the eWorld Forum has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for dialogue on information and communications technology (ICT), bringing together policymakers, regulators, telecommunications operators, technology companies, investors, academics and other industry stakeholders to discuss the future of the country’s digital economy.
The 2026 edition coincides with the 25th anniversary of Nigeria’s GSM revolution, which began with the commercial rollout of GSM services in August 2001. Over the past two and a half decades, mobile telecommunications have transformed virtually every sector of the economy, reshaping communication, commerce, banking, education, healthcare, governance, entertainment and social interaction while accelerating digital inclusion and economic growth.
The forum will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the industry’s achievements over the last 25 years, examine current challenges, and chart the path forward in key areas such as broadband expansion, artificial intelligence, fintech, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, spectrum management and Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.
A major highlight of the event will be the public launch of two books authored by veteran ICT journalist, Publisher of eWorldnews and Convener of the eWorld Forum, Aaron Ukodie.
The first book, Nigeria’s GSM Revolution at 25: The Hall of Digital Pioneers and Players, has been specially published to commemorate the silver jubilee of GSM in Nigeria. The publication chronicles the remarkable evolution of the nation’s telecommunications industry and documents the vision, policies, investments, innovations and contributions of the pioneers, regulators, operators, institutions, companies and individuals whose collective efforts transformed Nigeria into one of Africa’s largest telecommunications and digital markets.
The book serves as a follow-up to Ukodie’s earlier publication, Nigerian Drivers of Digital Prosperity: The Trajectory of the Digital Evolution, Sector Analysis and Players’ Contribution, further preserving the history of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
The second publication, The Pilgrim Trail, is a deeply personal memoir that recounts the author’s life journey, professional experiences, Christian faith and reflections on God’s sustaining grace. The memoir also documents Ukodie’s recovery from the stroke he suffered in 2023 and how, despite prolonged physiotherapy and physical limitations affecting his right hand and right leg, he successfully completed both books. The work stands as a powerful testimony of resilience, perseverance, hope and unwavering faith.
Speaking ahead of the event, Ukodie said: “I am grateful for the opportunity to document both the history of Nigeria’s GSM revolution and my personal journey in The Pilgrim Trail.
“These books preserve important history while bearing testimony to God’s grace and faithfulness in my life. I look forward to sharing them with the public at the forum.”
Although both books will be officially launched during the forum, The Pilgrim Trail is already available for pre-launch orders.
According to the organisers, eWorld Forum 2026 is expected to be a landmark gathering that will celebrate one of Nigeria’s greatest technological success stories while preserving the history of the country’s digital transformation for future generations.
The forum will also honour the institutions, organisations and individuals whose pioneering efforts laid the foundation for Nigeria’s GSM revolution and continue to drive innovation across the nation’s digital ecosystem.
By Justice Winner
Nigeria’s startup ecosystem has entered a new era. Venture capital is no longer chasing bold ideas alone; investors are increasingly looking for businesses that combine innovation with sound governance, operational discipline, and long-term sustainability. As Nigeria reclaims its position as Africa’s leading destination for venture capital, founders must recognise that fundraising is no longer driven solely by product-market fit or revenue growth. Strategic communication has become a competitive advantage.
The collapse of once-promising startups despite raising millions of dollars demonstrates an important lesson: funding can accelerate growth, but reputation, trust, and transparency determine longevity. Investors now evaluate leadership credibility, governance standards, regulatory preparedness, and market positioning alongside financial performance.
Here are five strategic communication moves every startup should implement to improve investor confidence and strengthen enterprise value.
1. Build Trust Before You Need Capital
Investor relationships begin long before a fundraising round. Startups that consistently communicate their vision, milestones, customer impact, and business progress build familiarity and confidence within the investment community.
Rather than disappearing between funding announcements, founders should establish a regular cadence of updates through media engagements, company announcements, newsletters, and thought leadership. Consistent visibility demonstrates momentum, reduces uncertainty, and helps investors understand the long-term trajectory of the business.
Trust compounds over time, making fundraising conversations significantly easier when capital is eventually required.
2. Position Founders as Industry Thought Leaders
Increasingly, investors back founders as much as they back products.
Founders who contribute meaningfully to conversations around regulation, technology, financial inclusion, climate innovation, healthcare, or digital infrastructure establish themselves as credible industry leaders rather than startup operators chasing funding.
Strategic media interviews, opinion articles, conference speaking engagements, podcasts, and executive profiling help build authority. This visibility often places founders on the radar of venture capital firms long before formal introductions are made.
Strong executive visibility also reassures investors that company leadership can effectively represent the business during partnerships, regulatory engagements, and future expansion.
3. Communicate Governance as Clearly as Growth
One of the biggest lessons from recent startup failures is that rapid growth without strong governance creates significant investor risk.
Strategic communication should extend beyond customer acquisition and product launches. Founders should proactively communicate governance improvements, compliance initiatives, board appointments, internal controls, cybersecurity measures, and risk management practices.
Institutional investors increasingly evaluate operational maturity before deploying capital. Demonstrating transparency around governance signals that the company is built for sustainable growth rather than short-term expansion.
Clear governance messaging transforms compliance from a back-office function into an investor confidence strategy.
4. Own Your Narrative Before Others Do
Every startup has a story. The question is whether the company tells it first.
Without deliberate communication, external stakeholders—including competitors, critics, or market speculation—often define public perception. During periods of economic uncertainty, this can significantly influence customer confidence and investor sentiment.
A strategic communications plan should clearly articulate what problem the startup solves, why it matters, how the business creates measurable impact, and what differentiates it within the market.
Narrative ownership also becomes essential during difficult periods. Whether facing product challenges, regulatory changes, fundraising delays, or broader market volatility, startups that communicate openly and consistently are far more likely to preserve stakeholder trust than those that remain silent.
5. Showcase Impact, Not Just Investment
Funding announcements generate headlines, but sustained investor interest comes from demonstrating measurable impact.
Startups should regularly communicate meaningful business metrics, customer success stories, operational milestones, employment generation, market expansion, technology innovation, and contributions to national development.
Nigeria’s most attractive ventures increasingly solve structural challenges—from financial inclusion and agricultural distribution to clean energy and logistics. Communicating this broader economic impact positions startups as long-term infrastructure builders rather than short-term technology companies.
Investors increasingly seek businesses capable of generating sustainable value while contributing to broader economic transformation. The stronger the evidence of impact, the stronger the investment case.
Nigeria’s venture capital ecosystem continues to mature despite global economic headwinds. Improved foreign exchange stability, progressive policies such as the Nigerian Startup Act, increasing sector diversification, and stronger institutional participation have reinforced the country’s position as Africa’s leading innovation hub. However, capital is becoming more selective.
For today’s founders, strategic communication is no longer a marketing exercise—it is a business function that directly influences investor confidence, corporate reputation, partnerships, customer trust, and ultimately valuation. Companies that invest early in building credibility, communicating transparently, and positioning themselves as trusted market leaders will be better equipped to attract long-term capital and navigate future market cycles.
In an increasingly competitive investment landscape, startups that communicate strategically will not simply raise capital—they will command stronger valuations, build more resilient brands, and shape the next chapter of Nigeria’s innovation economy.
By Justice Winner, Senior Account Manager, IVI PR
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